Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park for Gorillas in Kigali
Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park for Gorillas in Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda’s sparkling capital, doesn’t exactly scream “wild gorilla escapade” at first glance. It’s all smooth roads, posh coffee shops, and Wi-Fi strong enough to download your entire Netflix queue. But give it a few hours, a decent pair of hiking boots, and maybe a good night’s sleep, and it turns out to be the perfect launchpad into one of Earth’s most jaw-dropping animal encounters: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Spoiler: There Will Be Mud
The journey from Kigali to the park is short by African adventure standards—just a few hours north by car, depending on how many times your driver pulls over for roasted corn or to wave at his auntie. Upon arrival, hikers meet their guides, who are usually equal parts forest encyclopedias, stand-up comedians, and gorilla whisperers.
Trekkers are then split into small groups and matched with a specific gorilla family—yes, they have names (hello, Agashya and Sabyinyo). Then begins the trek: a sometimes steep, definitely muddy, occasionally breathless climb into the misty jungle. It’s not a red carpet, but it’s lush, green, and alive with the sounds of nature’s best Spotify playlist.
The Main Event: Hairy Royalty
When the gorillas finally appear, everything else—muddy boots, stinging calves, damp everything—suddenly stops mattering. Picture a silverback the size of a sumo wrestler casually munching on bamboo while his kids roll around like fuzzy toddlers hopped up on sugar.
No bars, no fences—just 10 magical meters (or sometimes fewer if the gorillas ignore the rules, which they often do). They make eye contact. They pose for photos. One might fart loudly and unapologetically. It’s raw, hilarious, humbling, and a little awkward—like meeting distant cousins at a family reunion you didn’t know you were invited to.
Fashion: Jungle-Chic with a Hint of Panic
First-timers often arrive looking like Indiana Jones cosplayers, but by the end, everyone’s a bit disheveled, smeared in jungle glam (also known as volcanic soil), and wildly in love with gorillas. Raincoats are a must, as is a walking stick, which doubles as a confidence booster and a spider-web destroyer.
Afterglow in the Highlands
Post-trek, there’s a quiet satisfaction. Back at the lodge, over a cold Primus beer or a mug of local tea, travelers stare into the Rwandan mist and try to process what just happened. A 400-pound silverback acknowledged your existence—and you didn’t trip over a root and scream. That’s a win.
Final Thoughts (And One Mosquito Bite Later…)
Gorilla trekking isn’t just a wildlife experience. It’s a muddy, magical, muscle-sore, camera-clicking, heart-pounding journey into something primal and rare. And Kigali? It’s the sleek, surprising gateway to it all.
So if your soul needs a jolt and your hiking boots need a reason to live—Volcanoes National Park is calling. Just pack the bug spray and bring your best banana jokes. The gorillas will judge your sense of humor.
Want to go? Kigali’s waiting. So are the cousins.
